Cheers from Across the Pond

Let me start by saying how hard it was to leave USC for an entire semester and follow that by saying I’ve never been happier. Don’t get me wrong, I can’t wait to get back to my friends, witty professors, the weather (!!!!) and the consistency of life in LA– but I’m absolutely having the time of my life learning about the world.

I am studying at Queen Mary University of London taking three courses for major credit and one class just for fun where we meet in a different London museum each week. I share a flat with 5 locals and 3 other study abroad students but there are tons of USC students spread across campus. USC also has quite a few programs in London so I have friends in various parts if the city too.

Not only am I learning so much about myself, I’m getting to see more of Europe than I ever knew existed. I have also gotten the chance to hit 27 cities in 14 countries so far with at least 13 more cities in 7 more countries coming up before I leave! Thankfully classes are over and all I have between now and June 7th is 3 finals (each worth 100% of my grade in the class).

As an incoming freshman, I would have never guessed I’d get the chance to go abroad for a summer- much less an entire semester. I never dreamed of graduating early or of getting a masters by adding just one extra semester. I had no idea that the friendly faces of strangers in my sorority would become lifelong friends and travel buddies across Europe. Everywhere I turn, USC continues to exceed my hopes and expectations!!

Who says you can’t do it all?!
Honors engineering – check
Major in computer science – check
Play club hockey, join a sorority, get involved in various engineering and computer science groups- check, check, check
Repeat intern at Microsoft – check
Study abroad in London- check
Have a picnic at the Eiffel Tower, spend St Patty’s day in Dublin, worship inside the biggest church in the world, visit the oldest mosque, tour the most preserved ancient ruins, try authentic Belgium chocolate and German beer and get to snowboard the Swiss alps- checkity check check check
Then come back as a senior with only 14 units to complete over two semesters- check